Transportation in Hue
Getting around Hue is easy in the city itself, but many of the attractions are out of town. Having to cross the Perfume River is also a minor inconvenience because of the time it adds to getting anywhere.
Hue is one of the few cities in Vietnam where getting around by bicycle is a delight!
We have compiled this list of Hue Transportation information, but as always, ask your host and the staff. They live here so they will have the latest local knowledge. For general country information, check out our Vietnam Transportation page. You can also use our Hue Destination Guide for more general information about the city.
Hue Transportation Guide
Hue City is flat, so walking short distances and cycling a few kilometers within the city is easy. However, many of the attractions are out of town and the surrounding area is hilly. We suggest you rent a bicycle or take a cyclo in town and a Xe Om to visit sites out of town.
Travel by Air
Flights into Hue's Phu Bai airport, 15km southeast of the city, are met by an airport bus (US$1.70) which goes to central hotels, and by metered taxis (US$7-8). Heading back to the airport, the airport bus departs from the Vietnam Airlines branch office at 12 Ha Noi (tel 054/823-249), or arrange a pick-up from your hotel reception. The main Vietnam Airlines office can be found in the Thuan Hoa Hotel at 7 Nguyen Tri Phuong (tel 054/824-709). There are daily flights from both Saigon and Hanoi.
Travel by Train
The train station lies about 1.5km from the centre of town at the far western end of Le Loi, a boulevard running along the south bank of the Perfume River. Note that trains out of Hue get booked up quickly, so make onward travel arrangements as early as possible. The station is in two parts: on the right is the terminus for local and Da Nang-bound trains, on the left is the larger, main terminus for trains elsewhere in Vietnam. Tickets for the main terminus can be purchased at a separate booking office on the left-hand side, inside the hall (daily 7-11:30 am & 1:30-6 pm).
Travel by Bus
There are two bus stations for long-distance buses in Hue. If you are entering the city from the south, you will get to the An Cuu station, which is 3 kilometres to the southeast from the centre of the city, towards Highway 1. On the other hand, if you are coming from Hanoi or other northern destinations, you will be brought to An Hoa station, which is 4 kilometres from the city centre, towards the northwest part of Highway 1.
Sinh Café, which conducts open tours, has two offices, one at 2 Hung Vuong (ph 054/822-121), and the other at 7 Nguyen Tri Phuong, next to the Thuan Hoa Hotel (ph 054/845-022). Their open-tour buses depart from both these venues. You can also purchase bus tickets, access tour information and browse the internet here.
Queen Cafe 3, 8 Hung Vuong (ph 054/849-327) is the hub for Kim Travel open-tour buses. Here buses headed for Laos and Savannakhet through the Lao Bao border start at 6 p.m. daily. They arrive at their destination the next day at around 2 p.m. You can also purchase tickets for around US $18 at the Sinh Cafe.
Within the City
Cyclo, a cross between a trishaw and a tricycle, provides transportation within the city. Do remember to bargain for the best fare though.
Travel by Bike/Boat/Other
Bicycles (6,000-10,000 dong), motorbikes (US$4-5) and cars (US$20-30) can be rented from hotels, guesthouses and cafes, all of which can help arrange onward transport by minibus or hired car to Hoi An, Da Nang and Hanoi.
Tourist Boat
5 Le Loi St., Next to the Floating Restaurant. About US$10/a boat/half day. One boat carries about 8 persons. You can join a full daytrip (includes lunch on the boat) - book at tourist cafes/travel agents.
Cyclos
In front of hotels or main roads. 5,000 - 10,000 dong. Must bargain.
Bicycle Rental
Rental a bicycle is recommended as there is little traffic. From 10,000-15,000 dong/day
Rental scooters (100cc): US$5/day, 30,000 dong/half day.
Transportation Companies
Nam Phuong Travel Service Co., Ltd.
A1+A2 Pham Van Dong St., Danang
(84511) 3936741
(84511) 3936742
sales@namphuong-travel.com
